The Smith Family
41-year-old Amit was working as a software engineer but wanted to volunteer as a way to support his community.
“I had some experience in communication through technical writing and giving talks, so I thought something in education would suit me. I really like working with kids.” Amit says.
Amit searched for volunteer opportunities and came across the Smith Family’s Learning Club program. Learning Clubs provide a safe and supportive space where students can build confidence, strengthen their learning and feel connected to their community. He’s now been a regular volunteer for five years.
Working closely with students exposed Amit to the realities many young people face. Some were not just struggling academically, but navigating emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges that made learning more complex.
“I had to readjust my own approach… slow down, make it more about teamwork,” he explained. “These are kids sitting with you, but they’re not always able to do what you want them to do.”
This experience helped him develop flexibility and empathy, reshaping how he thought about progress and success.
“I learned to be more flexible… and adjust my own expectations as well. Approaching it like that made me feel like there is something in me that means I can really contribute to making other peoples’ lives better, and that’s a really powerful feeling.” Amit shared.
While he has supported students to build confidence, engage in school and strengthen their skills in Maths and English, he is clear about how much he has gained in return.
“Volunteering is not a one-way exchange. I have worked with kids from Year 1 to Year 6… helping them with their homework,” he said. “What I feel I can offer is the presence of an adult who can help, learn about them, and in micro ways instil in them the value of education while also accepting them where they are in their lives.”
The Smith Family
(Image) Amit has been a volunteer with the Smith Family’s Learning Club for five years.
Over the years, he has watched many students grow and develop.
“I have seen some of the kids grow in front of my eyes, which mirrors my own personal growth over the past few years, working with them.”
Through Learning Club, Amit witnessed firsthand how education can change a young person’s life trajectory. The belief that education can break cycles of disadvantage became more than an idea. It became something real and tangible.
“It’s actually really directed where I want to go with my life.” Amit says.
While still working as a software engineer, Amit is now in his second year of a graduate diploma of counselling, with a focus on supporting young people facing similar challenges to those he encountered as a volunteer.
“I was really pleased that my student placement is in a primary school.”
The Smith Family
(Image) Amit helping students with homework at Learning Club
Since he began with the Learning Club, Amit has become a valued and well-loved member of the volunteer network, known for his encouragement, patience and ability to motivate students to believe in themselves.
Those who work alongside him describe him as supportive and kind. He consistently builds students up, supports them to stay engaged with their education and prompts them to dream about their future.
“It’s only one hour a week, but it’s one of my favourite hours!” Amit says.
Learning Clubs are valued by families and schools for improving student engagement, confidence and academic outcomes. For many children, they are also a place of belonging, where relationships with volunteers and peers create a strong sense of connection.
For Amit, the impact has been just as meaningful.
His story shows that volunteering can be transformative, not only for the young people being supported, but for those who step forward to help. Sometimes, the most powerful outcome is not just the difference made in someone else’s life, but the direction it gives your own.
The Smith Family believes that education is one of the world’s most powerful change agents.
The learn more about The Smith Family visit their website.
The Smith Family is contributing to UN SDGs 1 No Poverty, 4 Quality Education and 10 Reduced Inequalities.
United Nations